Andrea Joy Campbell: “I would like to respond to just two small points that were made by our friend, Senator Lieberman. First, though, let me…”

“I would like to respond to just two small points that were made by our friend, Senator Lieberman. First, though, let me thank Senator Inouye for a very eloquent statement. He really does speak from the heart. When you hear him talk about basic fairness and justice that American Indians deserve and need, I think Senator Inouye's own experience and background as a Japanese-American and what his people went through in World War II gives him a very special insight, and certainly a very special feeling for what Indian people face. Let me make two very short comments on Senator Lieberman's remarks. He made reference that this would not affect existing tribes. He is right, I guess, in some respects. But I think we need to look at that in historical context. First of all, when the original recognition process was done--clear back in the early 1800s--it was done so that the Federal Government could provide rations, blankets, and so on, to the Indian tribes that were deprived at that time of their hunting rights and restricted to certain areas.”